Archive · 21 Aug 2025
Railway Board to Rehire Retired Pilots; Union Opposes
The Railway Board wants to hire back retired train drivers to help with a shortage.
These rehired drivers will only move trains around in the yards, not on the main tracks.
The board says this is because they need more drivers.
However, the train drivers' union is angry.
They want the railway to hire new drivers instead of rehiring old ones.
The union thinks this will delay promotions for current workers and stop young people from getting jobs.
They are planning to protest against this decision.
The Railway Board is re-hiring retired loco pilots and assistant loco pilots on a contractual basis.
Re-hired staff will only be used for shunting and siding operations, not main line train movement.
The Railway Board cited a shortage of loco pilots and train managers as the reason.
The loco pilot union opposes the move, advocating for expedited recruitment instead.
The union plans protests on August 27, 2025, against the Railway Board's order.
- Who
- The Railway Board and the Loco Pilot Union are involved.
- What
- The Railway Board is re-hiring retired loco pilots and assistant loco pilots.
- When
- The re-hiring policy was announced in August 2024.
- Where
- New Delhi
- Why
- To address a shortage of loco pilots and assistant loco pilots and reduce vacant posts.
Railway Board
Loco Pilot Union
Re-Hiring Policy
Railway Board
Address staff shortages and operational safety concerns.
Loco Pilot Union
Against the re-hiring of retired staff
Employment Scope
Railway Board
Utilize re-engaged staff for shunting and siding work.
Loco Pilot Union
Concerned that re-hiring will delay the promotion opportunity of workers while denying jobs to the youth.
- Policy Issued
- August 19 circular
- Re-engagement Purpose
- Shunting and siding work only
- Staff Duty Hours
- 48 hours per week
- Union Opposition
- Against the re-hiring of retired staff
- Protest Date
- August 27, 2025